Monitoring of vehicle health based on historical information

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for detecting abnormal behaviour in a vehicle ( 8 ) with an engine having engine control module includes providing a database ( 20 ), and a vehicle analyzer ( 12 ) having a communication device ( 16 ) and an interface ( 14 ) that links the communication device ( 16 ) to a vehicle ( 8 ). Engine parameters that are retrieved through the interface ( 14 ) during driving experience are uploaded to the database ( 20 ) using the communication device ( 16 ). The database ( 20 ) analyzes the engine parameters from multiple driving experiences to establish historical data and determine normal operation of particular retrieved engine parameters based on the historical data. A vehicle ( 8 ) can be diagnosed by comparing its retrieved engine parameters with the database ( 20 ).

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from U.S. provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 60/202,419 filed on May 8, 2000, the disclosure ofwhich is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the United States, automotive mechanics are not always viewed asbeing fully trusted and reliable. Practicality indicates that automotivemechanics typically are not fraudulent, but rather overwhelmed with thecomplexity of the modern computer-controlled vehicle. With hundreds ofparameters dictating a vehicle's performance, it may be difficult topinpoint the source of the problem regardless of the mechanic's skilllevel. There has also been decay in the number of households thatperform basic maintenance to their own vehicles. The primary reasonagain relates to the increase in complexity of the modern vehicle.

The problem with the current approach for diagnosis and maintenance isthat it is performed in a static manner. Typical diagnosis of avehicle's performance is based on a single snap shop image of thevehicle's characteristics. Presently, adequate use of vehicle anddriving mode specific historical information is not used to assist inthis process.

Present diagnostic tools that interface to the vehicle computer willshow various sensor data and information. However, aside from actualfault codes from the vehicle, these tools do not contain tolerances foreach and every vehicle type and driving conditions for the vastavailable parameters. As a result, the mechanic must determine fromhundreds of available parameters the potential cause of the problem.This requires extensive expertise and references to technical manuals onsensor input and output status for that vehicle type. Ultimately,vehicle maintenance and diagnosis can be complicated and costly,considering the current tools that are available.

Onboard Diagnostics, or OBD, was developed primarily for monitoring thevehicle's emissions control systems by the Engine Control Module (ECM),which will typically display a general warning to the operator when afault is detected. It also provides a means by which a mechanic orvehicle inspector can access specific fault codes related to enginehardware that can affect emissions and engine performance. The OBDsystem is accessible via a standardized communications cable and amicroprocessor-based device, often referred to as a scan tool, thatimplements a standardized communications protocol. Data from onboardsensors can be accessed at a rate of up to 50 Hz.

Prior art includes U.S. Pat. No. 5,539,638 to Keeler et al. and U.S.Pat. No. 5,625,750 to Puskorius et al. that claim the use of artificialintelligence computer systems that can be trained to predict failure ofthe catalytic converter and to predict certain emissions levels. Bothstandard OBD sensors and additional sensors are used to generate inputsinto these learning algorithms. Prior systems do not attempt toestablish parameters during different driving and vehicle conditions.Instead, generic broad parameters are established covering multiplevehicles and driving conditions. Prior systems also use severalparameters in conjunction to predict a certain condition, such as highhydrocarbon emissions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The federal government has mandated that all vehicles sold in the UnitedStates shall have a standardized interface to the vehicle's computer.The present invention provides a vehicle analyzer that can be embodiedas a microprocessor-based hardware/software package designed tocommunicate with OBD (onboard diagnostics) computer systems contained in1996 and later vehicles sold in the United States. The present inventionprovides a product that is useful for both the consumer and theprofessional.

A method of detecting abnormal engine behavior in a vehicle, accordingto an aspect of the invention, includes providing a database, acommunication device and an interface to an engine control module andretrieving engine parameters through the interface during a drivingexperience and uploading the engine parameters to the database using thecommunication device. The method further includes analyzing the uploadedengine parameters from multiple driving experiences at the database toestablish historical data and determining normal operation of particularretrieved engine parameters based on the historical data. The methodfurther includes comparing engine parameters of a vehicle to bediagnosed with the normal operation of particular retrieved engineparameters to determine whether the vehicle to be diagnosed operatesoutside of the normal operation.

A method of detecting abnormal engine behavior in a vehicle, accordingto another aspect of the invention, includes providing a database andmultiple vehicle analyzers, each of the vehicle analyzers including acommunication device and an interface with an engine control module. Themethod further includes retrieving engine parameters for multiplevehicles that are generally the same type as each other using themultiple vehicle analyzers and uploading the retrieved engine parametersto the database. The method further includes analyzing the uploadedengine parameters from the multiple vehicles to establish historicaldata and determining normal operation of particular retrieved engineparameters based on the historical data. The method further includespreparing engine parameters of a vehicle generally of the same type withthe normal operation of particular retrieved engine parameters todetermine whether the vehicle operates outside the normal operation.

In either of the above-identified methods, the analyzing may includeretrieving engine parameters over multiple driving experiences, storingthe data over multiple driving experiences into the database andestablishing statistical control limits for the particular engineparameters. This may further include establishing statistical controllimits for particular engine parameters during various drivingconditions which may include idle, steady cruise at various speeds, andvarious rates of acceleration and deceleration. The particular engineparameters may include critical engine parameters. The historical datamay be based on engine parameters retrieved previously from the vehicleto be diagnosed.

In either of the above-identified methods, the uploading may includecommunicating over either an Internet or an Intranet. The communicationmay be via wireless communication. The uploading may includecommunicating over a global network and may further include providing awireless communication device that is adapted to connect with thedatabase over the global network. The communication device may includebrowser software and the interface may include an onboard diagnosticinterface.

A system for detecting abnormal vehicle engine behavior, according to anaspect of the invention, includes a vehicle analyzer having acommunication device and an interface that links the wirelesscommunication device to a vehicle. The system further includes adatabase system that is separate from the vehicle analyzer. The wirelesscommunication device collects data from the vehicle through theinterface scan tool while the vehicle is driven. The database system isprogrammed to receive data broadcast by the wireless communicationdevice from the scan tool. The database includes normal operation ofparticular engine parameters based on historical data. The databasesystem compares the collected data to the normal operation of particularengine parameters to determine normal conditions of the vehicle.

A system for detecting abnormal vehicle engine behavior, according toanother aspect of the invention, includes a database and a plurality ofvehicle analyzers, each including a communication device and aninterface that links the communication device to a vehicle. Thecommunication device is adapted to upload to the database engineparameters retrieved by the interface. The database is adapted toanalyze the retrieved engine parameters uploaded from a plurality ofvehicle analyzers to establish historical data among vehicles that aregenerally of the same type and to determine normal operation ofparticular retrieved engine parameters based on historical data. Thedatabase is further adapted to compare engine parameters of a vehiclegenerally of the same type with the normal operation of particularretrieved engine parameters to determine whether that vehicle operatesoutside of the normal operation.

Either of the above-identified systems may further include determiningthe normal operation of particular engine parameters from data retrievedfrom multiple previous driving experiences. The communication device mayinclude a wireless communication device, such as a cellular telephone ora personal digital assistant. The wireless communication device mayinclude a radio frequency transmitter. The vehicle analyzer may includea data port for uploading data to a computer for subsequent uploading tothe database at a later time. The communication device may be adapted tooperate on a global network, such as an Internet or an Intranet, and mayfurther include browser software. The database system may establishstatistical control limits for particular engine parameters duringvarious driving conditions which may include idle, steady cruise atvarious speeds, and various rates of acceleration and deceleration. Theparticular engine parameters may include critical engine parameters.

The present invention utilizes a technique to characterize normal limitsfor individual engine parameters and provides a means by which to detectwhen said parameters begin to operate outside normal levels for certainoperating conditions. While the ECM contains limits on some engineparameters, these are typically gross limits that apply to all operatingconditions, and vehicle age or mileage combined. The present inventionprovides a much narrower tolerance of what is considered normaloperation of engine parameters to facilitate diagnosis of actual andimminent engine failure. This invention, therefore, provides a means ofearly detection of failure of specific components.

A vehicle analyzer, according to more detailed aspects of the invention,obtains information from the vehicle's computer to track critical engineparameters and reports any problems or potential problems to the user.The vehicle analyzers pass information from a large number of vehiclesto a database that uses statistical modeling to “learn” typicalperformance of these critical engine parameters under various drivingconditions, including idle, steady cruise, accelerations, anddecelerations. Once a sufficient statistical database is established,the vehicle analyzer in conjunction with the database can diagnose avehicle under driving conditions. The operating condition, including anyabnormal behavior that could indicate or eventually lead to a failure ofone or more engine components, can be determined with the use of eitherhistorical or reference information. The vehicle analyzer will alsotranslate any specific fault codes stored in the onboard computer systemto useable information for the user in order to diagnose and repair thevehicle.

The vehicle analyzer and database, according to an aspect of theinvention, is a system that implements a method of tracking andmonitoring a vehicle's health based on historical statisticalinformation, rather than only instantaneously accessing the vastdiagnostic information available on vehicles. As a result, vehiclemaintenance and diagnosis can be simplified such that the consumer has atool that permits him or her to know when something has failed or isabout to fail by comparing an individual vehicle's diagnosticinformation with the comparable data of the same vehicle fleet. It alsoassists the mechanic in repairing the vehicle back to the fault-freecondition. The historical parameters also serve as a reference for theeffectiveness of the repair on a broad range of parameters. The vehicleanalyzer is able to gather significant data and establish tighteracceptable operating parameters based on the vehicle's history thatallows early detection of problems.

In addition, the vehicle analyzer can be used to assess the health of avehicle before it is purchased. In this case, the vehicle analyzersystem is used in conjunction with the database that contains data onother vehicles of the same type. This can provide a more objectiveanalysis by the consumer prior to the purchase of a modern vehicle.

The primary advantages of this system include its low cost and earlydetection of problems resulting from tight tolerances. It also providessimplification of diagnosis. The invention may be used for repairverification and objective purchase analysis.

These and other objects, advantages and features of this invention willbecome apparent upon review of the following specification inconjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system for detecting abnormal enginebehavior, according to the invention; and

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a method of detecting abnormal engine behavior,according to the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now specifically to the drawings, and the illustrativeembodiments depicted therein, a system 10 for detecting abnormal enginebehavior of a vehicle 8 based on historical information is providedincluding a vehicle analyzer, such as an OBD scan tool hardware device12 having a connector, or data port, 14 to link to a wireless Internetready communication device, such as a cellular telephone 16, a personaldigital assistant (PDA), or the like. Wireless Internet ready phone 16includes an Internet browser to connect, via a wireless data link 22, toa global network, such as the Internet or an Intranet 18. A masterdatabase 20 and application software are run on a computer 22 connectedwith Internet or Intranet 18.

In operation, system 10 is linked to vehicle 8 to collect data. Vehicleanalyzer 12 interfaces with the Engine Control Module (ECM) on a vehiclevia standardized communications protocol, connector and hardware that isadapted to link to the data port of wireless Internet ready phones 16.Application software allows for communication between the wirelessInternet ready phone 16 and the vehicle onboard computer.

A method 34 of detecting abnormal engine behavior of vehicle 8 begins at26 by initiating data link 22 when performing a diagnosis or to generateor maintain the personal vehicle data on a predetermined frequency. Theoperator will be instructed to perform regular data acquisitions at acertain time interval, so parameters can be monitored with statisticaltools. While the user drives the vehicle in a normal fashion (28), thevehicle analyzer will collect, process, and transmit data (30) oncritical engine components to the master database. The engine parametersthat will be tracked may include, but are not limited to, exhaust gasoxygen (both upstream and downstream of the catalytic converter), massairflow, engine coolant temperature, engine rpm, and operating controls,such as degree of spark advance and degree of exhaust gas recirculation.This data will be sampled during various driving conditions andprocessed in such a way as to establish a database for certain operatingconditions. These conditions include idle, cruise at various speeds, andvarious rates of acceleration and deceleration.

System 10 analyzes the data at 32. The vehicle analyzer will useStatistical Process Control (SPC) tools and trend-modeling analysis toanalyze data-based vehicle history. When the master database ofinformation at this condition is sufficiently large, upper and lowercontrol limits are established based on statistical analysis of themaster database. This establishes normal operation of particularretrieved engine parameters. This may include the mean and standarddeviation of the database.

The application software at the master database compares the retrievedengine parameter (34) and determines if there are any trends in thisdata or if data is outside statistical limits. This would suggest achange in the operation of the engine, which may be an early detectionof some component failure. If a problem is detected (36), the masterdatabase notifies (40) the operator and suggests how to further diagnosethe problem, such as by sending a message, voice or data, to thewireless Internet ready phone. This message can also be sent by E-mail,facsimile, or mail. The same process can be performed on other criticalengine parameters and other operating conditions. If no problem isdetected (38), the retrieved data can be used to further update thedatabase of engine parameters.

System 10 may also analyze vehicle data based on data from vehicles ofthe same type and condition as the vehicle being analyzed. The vehicleanalyzer may further have the ability to connect to a global network,such as the Internet or Intranet, to exchange data and information forthe purpose of vehicle maintenance, diagnosis or purchase. Inparticular, the vehicle analyzer has the capability to connect to theInternet or an Intranet to upload vehicle data to the Internet/Intranetserver system. Upon connection to the server system, the vehicleanalyzer transmits all local vehicle data and information. At this time,the vehicle analyzer can request data on vehicles of the same type. Eachconnection increases the master database information. Data port 14 mayalso be connected with a computer 19 for uploading data retrieved byvehicle analyzer 12 at a later time. Computer 19 may also receivenotifications (36) from database 20.

The master database may use variance analysis algorithms to performanalyses based on data from other vehicles of the same type. Data on thesame vehicle type acquired from the database system may be used tocompare to the consumer collected vehicle data. This will allow for aconsumer to compare the sensor outputs from a properly operating vehicleto a vehicle being purchased. It also may be used to determine thesource of the problem when performing vehicle diagnosis. Detailedcomparisons and analyses are performed at the master database. Theresults can be sent and made available to the consumer in many differentways, such as wireless messaging, facsimile, E-Mail, web site, etc.

EXAMPLE

An example of the invention used to evaluate the vehicle's oxygen (O₂)sensor follows. Data collected on that vehicle, whether continuous ordiscrete, is modeled in the same manner as the O₂ sensor described belowto achieve the most effective early detection and diagnosis. Data isgathered from the vehicle using vehicle analyzer 12 based on an Internetready wireless device, such as an Internet ready cellular phone 16. Datais sent to the main database 20. The application software at the maindatabase analyzes O₂ data. Driving conditions, such as the vehicle iswarm/cold or accelerating/decelerating/cruising/idling, are determinedfor sets of data collected by looking at vehicle speed, engine coolanttemperature, engine rpm, calculated vehicle load and much more. Datawithin a driving event may have different conditions from start to end,since a cold car will warm up over time. Vehicle condition can beaffected by factors such as age, faulty condition, etc. For a givenvehicle and given driving conditions, the vehicle analyzer evaluates O₂parameters such as:

i. Time between transitions

ii. Min sensor voltage

iii. Lean to rich switch time

iv. Rich to lean switch time

v. Lean to rich threshold

vi. Rich to lean threshold

vii. High sensor voltage and low sensor voltage

Acceptable and actual decay rate of a sensor are modeled to achieve thetightest tolerances established utilizing SPC modeling tools. Since dataof the same type, based on same vehicle and driving condition, isavailable in the master database, the resultant data-set will have anormal distribution allowing hypotheses testing for significantdifference by utilizing analysis of variance design and analysis.

Changes and modifications in the specifically described embodiments canbe carried out without departing from the principles of the inventionwhich is intended to be limited only by the scope of the appendedclaims, as interpreted according to the principles of patent lawincluding the doctrine of equivalents.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property orprivilege is claimed are defined as follows:
 1. A method of detectingabnormal behavior in a vehicle having an engine with an engine controlmodule, said method comprising: providing a database, a communicationdevice, and an interface to a diagnostic port of an engine controlmodule; retrieving engine parameters from the engine control modulethrough said interface during a driving experience and uploading theretrieved engine parameter to said database using said communicationdevice; analyzing the uploaded engine parameters from multiple drivingexperiences at said database to establish historical data anddetermining normal operation of particular retrieved engine parametersbased on the historical data; and comparing engine parameters of avehicle to be diagnosed with said normal operation of particularretrieved engine parameters to determine whether the vehicle to bediagnosed operates outside or the normal operation.
 2. The method ofdetecting abnormal engine behavior of claim 1 wherein said analyzingincludes retrieving engine parameter from the engine control module overmultiple driving experiences, storing the data over multiple drivingexperiences into a database, and establishing statistical control limitsfor the particular engine parameters.
 3. The method of detectingabnormal behavior of claim 2 including establishing statistical controllimits for particular engine parameters during various drivingconditions.
 4. The method of detecting abnormal behavior of claim 3wherein the various driving conditions include idle, steady cruise atvarious speeds, and various rates of acceleration and deceleration. 5.The method of detecting abnormal behavior an claim 1 wherein saidparticular engine parameters comprise critical engine parameters.
 6. Themethod of detecting abnormal behavior in claim 1 wherein said historicaldata is based on engine parameters retrieved prior to said comparingfrom the vehicle to be diagnosed.
 7. The method of detecting abnormalbehavior in claim 1 wherein said uploading includes communicating overone of an Internet and an Intranet.
 8. The method of detecting abnormalbehavior in claim 1 wherein said uploading includes communicating viawireless communication.
 9. The method of detecting abnormal behavior inclaim 8 wherein said uploading includes communicating over a globalnetwork.
 10. The method of detecting abnormal behavior in claim 9wherein said uploading includes providing a wireless communicationdevice that is adapted to connect with said database over said globalnetwork.
 11. The method of detecting abnormal behavior in claim 10wherein said communication device includes browser software.
 12. Themethod or detecting abnormal behavior in claim 1 wherein said interfaceincludes an onboard diagnostic interface.
 13. A method of detectingabnormal behavior in a vehicle having an engine with an engine controlmodule, said method comprising: providing a database and multiplevehicle analyzers, each of said vehicle analyzers including acommunication device and an interface to a diagnostic port of an enginecontrol module, retrieving engine parameters from the engine controlmodule of multiple vehicles that are generally the same type as eachother using said multiple vehicle analyzers and uploading the retrievedengine parameters to said database; analyzing the uploaded engineparameters from the multiple vehicles to establish historical data anddetermining normal operation of particular retrieved engine parametersbased on the historical data; and comparing engine parameters of avehicle generally of said same type with said normal operation ofparticular retrieved engine parameters to determine whether that vehicleoperates outside of the normal operation.
 14. The method of detectingabnormal behavior of claim 13 including retrieving engine parametersfrom the engine control modules over multiple driving experiences fromsaid multiple vehicles.
 15. The method of detecting abnormal behavior ofclaim 14 wherein said uploading includes communicating via wirelesscommunication.
 16. The method of detecting abnormal behavior of claim 15wherein said uploading includes communicating over a global network. 17.The method of detecting abnormal behavior in claim 16 wherein saiduploading includes providing for each of said vehicle analyzers awireless communication device that is adapted to connect with saiddatabase over said global network.
 18. The method of detecting abnormalbehavior in claim 17 wherein said communication device includes browsersoftware.
 19. The method of detecting abnormal behavior in claim 13wherein said analyzing includes retrieving engine perimeters overmultiple driving experiences, storing the data over multiple drivingexperiences into a database, and establishing statistical control limitsfor the particular engine parameters.
 20. The method of detectingabnormal behavior of claim 19 including establishing statistical controllimits for particular engine parameters during various drivingconditions.
 21. The method of detecting abnormal behavior of claim 20wherein the various driving conditions include idle, steady cruise atvarious speeds, and various rates of acceleration and deceleration. 22.The method of detecting abnormal behavior in claim 13 wherein saidparticular engine parameters comprise critical engine parameters.
 23. Asystem for detecting abnormal vehicle engine behavior of a vehiclehaving an engine with an engine control module, comprising: a vehicleanalyzer comprising a communication device and an interface diagnosticscan tool that links said communication device to a diagnostic port of avehicle engine control module; a database system separate from saidvehicle analyzer, said database system being programmed to receive datauploaded by said communication device, said database determines normaloperation of particular engine parameters based on historical data;wherein said vehicle analyzer retrieves data from the vehicle while thevehicle is driven to retrieve engine parameters and uploads theretrieved engine parameters to said database; said database systemcompares the collected data to said normal operation of particularengine parameters to determine abnormal conditions of the vehicle. 24.The system for detecting abnormal vehicle engine behavior of claim 23wherein said database determines normal operation of particular engineparameters from dale retrieved from the vehicle being diagnosed overmultiple previous driving experiences.
 25. The system for detectingabnormal vehicle engine behavior of claim 23 wherein said communicationdevice comprises a wireless communication device.
 26. The system fordetecting abnormal vehicle engine behavior of claim 25 wherein saidwireless communication device comprises one of a cellular telephone anda personal digital assistant.
 27. The system for detecting abnormalvehicle engine behavior of claim 25 wherein said wireless communicationdevice comprises a radio frequency transmitter.
 28. The system fordetecting abnormal vehicle engine behavior of claim 23 wherein saidvehicle analyzer includes a data port for uploading data to a computerfor subsequent uploading to said database.
 29. The system for detectingabnormal vehicle engine behavior of claim 23 wherein said communicationdevice is adapted to operate on a global network.
 30. The system fordetecting abnormal vehicle engine behavior of claim 29 wherein saidcommunication device includes browser software.
 31. The system fordetecting abnormal vehicle engine behavior of claim 23 wherein saiddatabase system establishes statistical control limits for particularengine parameters during various driving conditions.
 32. The system fordetecting abnormal behavior of claim 31 wherein the various drivingconditions include idle, steady cruise at various speeds, and variousrates of acceleration and deceleration.
 33. The system for detectingabnormal behavior in claim 23 wherein said particular engine parameterscomprise critical engine parameters.
 34. A system for detecting abnormalvehicle engine behavior of a vehicle having an engine with an enginecontrol module comprising: a database and a plurality of vehicleanalyzers, each including a communication device and an interfacediagnostic scan tool that links that communication device to adiagnostic port of a vehicle engine control module, wherein saidcommunication device is adapted to upload to said database engineparameters retrieved by said interface diagnostic scan tool; and saiddatabase is adapted to analyze the retrieved engine parameter uploadedfrom said plurality of vehicle analyzers to establish historical dataamong vehicles that are generally of the same type and to determinenormal operation of particular retrieved engine parameters based onhistorical data; wherein said database is further adapted to compareengine parameters of a vehicle generally of said same type with saidnormal operation of particular retrieved engine parameters to determinewhether that vehicle operates outside of the normal operation.
 35. Thesystem for detecting abnormal vehicle engine behavior of claim 34wherein said communication device comprises a wireless communicationdevice.
 36. The system for detecting abnormal vehicle engine behavior ofclaim 35 wherein said wireless communication device comprises one of acellular telephone and a personal digital assistant.
 37. The system fordetecting abnormal vehicle engine behavior of claim 35 wherein saidwireless communication device comprises a radio frequency transmitter.38. The system for detecting abnormal vehicle engine behavior of claim34 wherein said vehicle analyzer includes a data port for uploading datato a computer for subsequent uploading to said database.
 39. The systemfor detecting abnormal vehicle engine behavior of claim 34 wherein saidcommunication device is adapted to operate on a global network.
 40. Thesystem for detecting abnormal vehicle engine behavior of claim 39wherein said communication device includes browser software.
 41. Thesystem for detecting abnormal vehicle engine behavior of claim 34wherein said database system establishes statistical control limits forparticular engine parameters during various driving conditions.
 42. Thesystem for detecting abnormal behavior of claim 41 wherein the variousdriving conditions include idle, steady cruise at various speeds, andvarious rates of acceleration and deceleration.
 43. The system fordetecting abnormal behavior in claim 34 wherein said particular engineparameters comprise critical engine parameters.